UP Manila, Monash University partner to boost forensic science

MANILA, Philippines —  The University of the Philippines (UP) Manila has entered into a partnership with Monash University of Australia for the training of a new breed of forensic scientists in February next year.

Raquel Fortun, one of just two forensic pathologists in the Philippines, said she expects a “bright future for the justice system” as the country aims to increase its forensic practitioners.

“I waited 30 years for this, and now I am more than two years away from retirement. We don’t have a death investigation system, which is beneficial to our criminal justice and public health issues. We are not seriously interested in preventing deaths by learning from them,” Fortun said, adding that the partnership between UP Manila and Monash University is a good start.

“We are looking forward to offering forensic science training to Filipinos and sharing research findings. There are already applicants,” Fortun said.

Under the partnership between the two universities, UP Manila will adopt the forensic science program of Monash and have its faculty members trained through a “transnational education portal.”

Monash will deliver two-year master’s degree and short-term certificate programs in forensic science with UP Manila through a hybrid setup to train faculty members.

The Pathology Department of UP Manila, led by Fortun, and doctors from the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine in Southbank, Australia developed the framework and curriculum for forensic science education in the Philippines.

Fortun said she hopes the deficiencies in criminal investigations would improve as the drug war during the Duterte administration has left many families “hopeless and frustrated” with the justice system.

Officials of UP Manila and Monash University signed last month an agreement for forensic science training and research activities in the Philippines.

Students of the training programs will receive either a two-year Forensic Medicine master’s degree or a short-term certificate in forensic science, based on Republic Act 11448 or the Transnational Education Law.